Mohawk Racetrack facts for kids
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| Location | 9430 Guelph Line Campbellville, Ontario L0P 1B0 |
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| Owned by | Woodbine Entertainment Group |
| Date opened | April 26, 1963 |
| Race type | Harness Racing |
| Notable races |
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Woodbine Mohawk Park is a famous place for harness racing in Campbellville, Ontario. It was known as Mohawk Racetrack until 2018. This park is owned by the Woodbine Entertainment Group. It is about 40 kilometers southwest of their other big racetrack, Woodbine Racetrack, in Toronto.
Woodbine Mohawk Park also has a large area with over 1,000 slot machines. This area is run by Great Canadian Entertainment. Some of the money earned from these machines helps to increase the prize money for horse races. Ken Middleton is the well-known announcer for the races here.
Contents
The Story of Woodbine Mohawk Park
How the Racetrack Started
The racetrack first opened its doors on April 26, 1963. Back then, it was called Mohawk Racetrack. About 4,338 people came to see the very first races. The whole area was 400 acres big and cost $3.5 million to build. It had enough barns to house 828 horses. There was also plenty of parking for 3,000 cars. The first-ever sale of young Standardbred horses happened here.
Changes and New Beginnings
The company that owned the track changed its name in 2001. It went from Ontario Jockey Club to Woodbine Entertainment Group. In June 2017, Woodbine Entertainment Group announced big plans. They decided to invest money to make Mohawk Racetrack even better. The goal was to host harness racing all year round.
The harness track at Woodbine Racetrack closed in early 2018. It was changed into a grass track for thoroughbred racing. Because of this, Mohawk Racetrack got a new name. It became Woodbine Mohawk Park. It then started hosting harness races throughout the entire year.
Woodbine Mohawk Park has often hosted the important year-end Breeders Crown events. The most recent time was in 2019.
About the Track Itself
Track Design and Material
The racing track is about 1.1 kilometers (7/8 of a mile) long. It was originally 1 kilometer (5/8 of a mile) long. The track is made from crushed limestone. Up to ten horses can start a race at the same time.
Special Features of the Track
The final straight part of the track, called the homestretch, is 334 meters (1,095 feet) long. The far turn is wider than the clubhouse turn. This design helps horses speed up as they enter the homestretch. There is no inner rail, which is called a hubrail.
When to Catch a Race
Races usually happen on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. From June to early October, there are also races on Tuesdays. Most races start at 7:10 PM. Sometimes, there are special start times for certain events.
Exciting Races at Woodbine Mohawk Park
Woodbine Mohawk Park hosts many major races. Here are some of the most famous ones:
- Pepsi North America Cup: This race is for 3-year-old pacers. It has a huge prize of $1,000,000|link=yes. It is Canada's richest race for pacers. Mohawk hosted it first in 2007. A horse named Tell All won that year.
- Mohawk Million: This race started in 2020. It is for 2-year-old trotters and also has a $1,000,000|link=yes prize. It has a unique way to enter. Nine of the ten starting spots must be bought in advance for $100,000|link=yes each. These spots can be sold or traded before the race. The last spot goes to the winner of Mohawk's William Wellwood Memorial race.
- Metro Pace: This is a one-mile race for 2-year-old pacers. Many great horses have become famous after winning this race. These include Artsplace, Rocknroll Hanover, and Somebeachsomewhere. The fastest race record is 1:49.2. This record is shared by Captaintreacherous (2012) and Sportswriter (2009).
- Canadian Pacing Derby: This race is for older, top-level pacers. It has an estimated prize of $600,000. It is a very old race, first held in 1936.
- Canadian Trotting Classic: This is a one-mile race for 3-year-old trotters. It is Canada's richest race for trotters, with a prize of $605,000. Many legendary trotters have won it. Some winners include Father Patrick, Muscle Hill, Deweycheatumnhowe, and Kadabra. The current race record is 1:51.4, held by What The Hill.
- Maple Leaf Trot: This is a one-mile trotting race for horses of all ages. It first started in 1950.
